Deconstructing History: Great Wall of China (2:15)
It took millennia to build, but today the Great Wall of China stands out as one of the world's most famous landmarks.
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Videos (19)
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Deconstructing History: Great Wall of China
Deconstructing History: Great Wall of ChinaVideo Clip (2:15)
Video Clip (2:15)
It took millennia to build, but today the Great Wall of China stands out as one of the world's most famous landmarks.
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Building the Great Wall
Building the Great WallVideo Clip (3:20)
Video Clip (3:20)
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, ordered the construction of the Great Wall to defend against invading nomadic tribes.
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History of the Great Wall
History of the Great WallVideo Clip (3:33)
Video Clip (3:33)
Since it was first built in the 2nd century BC, China's dynasties have added to the Great Wall of China, but has the wall really protected the country from invasion?
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Builders of China's Great Wall
Builders of China's Great WallVideo Clip (3:07)
Video Clip (3:07)
The Great Wall of China was constructed over several centuries and claimed the lives of thousands of builders.
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Ascending the Chinese Throne
Ascending the Chinese ThroneVideo Clip (4:02)
Video Clip (4:02)
The young Emperor Qin Shi Huang was guided by advisers who wanted more control of ancient China.
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Qin Shi Huang's Army
Qin Shi Huang's ArmyVideo Clip (3:59)
Video Clip (3:59)
Soldiers in China's ancient army earned rank by acquiring the heads of their enemies.
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Chinese New Year
Chinese New YearVideo Clip (3:31)
Video Clip (3:31)
The 15-day long Chinese New Year celebration originated from an ancient Chinese legend of the monster Nian.
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Religions of Ancient China
Religions of Ancient ChinaVideo Clip (3:07)
Video Clip (3:07)
Emperor Qin Shi Huang searched for divine acceptance by offering gifts to the gods.
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Attaining Immortality
Attaining ImmortalityVideo Clip (2:48)
Video Clip (2:48)
The first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang tried numerous methods to attain immortality.
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The Origin of Fireworks
The Origin of FireworksVideo Clip (2:32)
Video Clip (2:32)
Did you know the Chinese used fireworks to ward off evil spirits? Find out more.
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Tomb of China's First Emperor
Tomb of China's First EmperorVideo Clip (2:55)
Video Clip (2:55)
Qin Shi Huang was buried in a massive tomb along with his army, servants and wealth.
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Did the Chinese Discover America?
Did the Chinese Discover America?Video Clip (3:45)
Video Clip (3:45)
China was the world's greatest maritime power in the early 15th century, raising the theory that the Chinese discovered America 71 years before Columbus set sail.
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Ancient Chinese Omens
Ancient Chinese OmensVideo Clip (2:48)
Video Clip (2:48)
Ancient Chinese rulers relied on omens to influence and guide their decisions.
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The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of ChinaVideo Clip (1:29)
Video Clip (1:29)
Peter Weller visits the Great Wall of China.
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Ancient Chinese Weapons
Ancient Chinese WeaponsVideo Clip (1:33)
Video Clip (1:33)
Cannons were developed in China as early as the 14th century.
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Origins of the Compass
Origins of the CompassVideo Clip (1:18)
Video Clip (1:18)
Originally known as the Chinese Magic Spoon, this handy gadget dates back to 2600 B.C. Find out how it was discovered.
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Office Paper
Office PaperVideo Clip (3:01)
Video Clip (3:01)
Invented in China in 200 B.C., paper arrived in America in the 17th century. What did people write on before? Find out more.
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U.S. Tea Production
U.S. Tea ProductionVideo Clip (3:24)
Video Clip (3:24)
Discover how tea is produced inside the Charleston Tea Plantation in South Carolina.
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Ancient Chinese Weapons
Ancient Chinese WeaponsVideo Clip (3:32)
Video Clip (3:32)
Qin Shi Huang's army unified the seven provinces of ancient China by capitalizing on superior weapons.
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